If you are looking to purchase a gift of jewelry for a friend or relative, knowing their tastes helps a lot. Knowing what stores they like helps too. But if you don’t have any idea where to start, consider the following tips that can help you pick out the right piece.
The best tool for any jewelry hunter, whether searching for personal treasure or for the profit in reclaiming gold or silver, is a jeweler’s loupe. Jeweler’s loupes are small, but powerful magnifying instruments designed specially for use in examining jewelry at very close range. Some jeweler’s loupes also have a built-in, battery-powered light which can be very handy if examining pieces in a dimly lit area. Most jeweler’s loupes are extremely economical in cost and can help you make the most of your jewelry-buying dollar, especially when buying from second-hand sources.
Sites like Etsy have a wide selection of handmade jewelry. You can find many unique, one of a kind pieces, but be careful. Some sellers may use pendants or other findings that can be widely purchased in bulk or from craft stores. Read reviews or search for similar items to make sure you’re getting the best value.
When buying or selling jewelry, consider looking into specialized pawn shops. These shops are going to have individuals who know what they are talking about. They will be able to appraise the approximate value of the jewelry much more accurately than a typical pawn shop, allowing you to have peace of mind with your sale or purchase.
Know the jewelry terms. Understanding what cut, carat, color, and clarity mean can help you to make a quality purchase for the best price. A salesperson will be much more able to explain the differences in the stones you are interested in if you have a clear understanding of the terms.
When buying jewelry for someone it is important to consider what he or she does on a daily basis. You do not want to give a mother with toddlers a necklace, as she will not be able to wear it when she is around her children. Toddlers love to pull on necklaces and it could hurt the mother’s neck or cause the necklace to break. She would then feel guilt and no one wants that.
If you are planning to wear jewelry, it is important that you put your jewelry on after you put your clothes on. There are pointed edges on jewelry that can cause your clothing and your jewelry to get ruined. Additionally, you should take off your jewelry before you get undressed.
If you wear fashion jewelry you have to keep in mind that it cannot be cleaned the same as regular jewelry. You should wipe it with a damp cloth and then dry it. Soaking it in water can lead to damage since most fashion jewelry is made with jeweler’s cement.
While jewelry makes a great surprise gift, you should avoid presenting jewelry at off-the-cuff moments. A really beloved piece of jewelry is one that reminds its owner of a particularly memorable occasion. If there is not a common or personal holiday associated with your gift, make an effort to turn the presentation itself into an experience to remember.
When purchasing jewelry, you should spend plenty of time comparison shopping within your price range so that you can get the best-quality jewelry available. Jewelry is one of those commodities where quality matters a great deal. A modest but well-crafted piece is a better buy than something which is extravagant but shoddy.
When buying jewelry, make sure that you know the difference between the different types of silver available. Be aware that nickel silver and German silver do not actually contain any silver and they are only called silver because of the color. Sterling silver is the only real silver there is.
When selling jewelry online, you should make sure you provide information about yourself using an artists statement or a written presentation. You want to include your background, training, awards, organizations you belong to, and more. You need to make a personal connection with your customers because this connection will make it more likely that they purchase an item from you.
When buying jewelry, look for stones that actually flatter your eyes of complexion. Avoid red stones if you have very pale skin, and avoid paler stones if you have dark skin. A stone with a color similar to your eyes will do wonders for you. Find something that you can easily wear with your outfits too.
When it comes to making the most out of currently owned jewelry, consider repairing pieces that you currently own instead of buying new ones. This is beneficial not only because you may save money but also because you will once again get to wear a piece of jewelry that you have a fondness for already.
There are many jewelry shops outside of the common ones we see in malls and popular shopping centers. Be sure to research the different shops where you can make your purchase. Often times the out of the way shops can give you better deals and offer better customer service. Remember to look everywhere for the specific piece of jewelry.
Gifts of jewelry are so meaningful to the receiver, even if the item is not to their taste. It’s even better to do a bit of research into finding a piece of jewelry that is right for him or her. The perfect piece will show you listen, and that you care.